PERFECT COUPLES HOLIDAY

Fitzroy Island Resort is fringed with pretty coral gardens in clear ocean and a hiking trail up to the lighthouse. Enjoy the many activities the island has to offer such as Sea Kayaking and snorkelling

Great Barrier Reef Accommodation & Tour Specials

About Great Barrier Reef

Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef!

Stretching off the Queensland Coast from Lady Elliot Island in the south all the way up to Papua New Guinea in the north, the Great Barrier Reef by far is one of Australia's most remarkable gifts.Comprising of around 2,900 individual reefs, scattered with beautiful islands and idyllic coral cays, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do on any holiday itinerary. With an abundance of experiences from the hardest part will be fitting it all into your itinerary! From spectacular scuba diving to remarkable scenic helicopter flights, island resorts to luxurious sailing, laid back cruising and sea kayaking adventures; the Great Barrier Reef is an adventure playground just waiting to be explored.

Getting There:

The Great Barrier Reef is very accessible with regular departures from the mainland coastal areas of Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach (Shute Harbour), Mackay, Gladstone, and 1770 (from north to south).

Cairns is the closest major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef with a huge array of trips and activities departing daily. The Reef Fleet Terminal situated between the Pier Shopping Centre and Cairns Harbour Lights provides a convenient hub for travellers to check in for their chosen reef activity.

Airlie Beach is the major gateway for accessing the Whitsunday Islands. Domestic air services fly into Proserpine airport or directly to Hamilton Island.

Gladstone services departures to Heron and Wilson Islands, and access to Brampton Island is via departures from Mackay.

Great Barrier Reef Islands:

Stretching from Tropical North Queensland in the north to Central Queensland in the south, there are literally hundreds of islands dotted along the Great Barrier Reef. With a small handful of resorts offering a complete tropical island experience, there's really no better place to escape to for an idyllic and exotic holiday destination.

LizardBeautiful, natural and wild and the most northern Great Barrier Reef resort, Lizard Island is a place reserved for the fortunate few. With 24 powdery-white beaches, 40 luxurious suites, five star cuisine, indulging spa treatments and sensational scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, it's little wonder that this beautiful island consistently makes the Top 10 Hotels of the World list. Enjoy secluded picnics on private beaches, explore the ruggedness of the island on a nature trail or simply relax in your luxurious suite. Lizard Island is an ideal couples getaway, accessed by air from Cairns Airport in Far North Queensland.

Green IslandGreen Island is a beautiful coral cay situated on the Great Barrier Reef, just 27km (approx a 45 minute boat ride) from Cairns. This ancient coral cay is home to over 120 species of native plants, colourful bird and marine life and beautiful coral gardens to explore. By day Green Island is a popular day visitor destination with guests from around the world experiencing the unique island rainforest, sandy white beaches, magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life. By night, enjoy the pure serenity of your own tropical island; with just 46 luxurious suites nestled amid lush rainforest and secluded from the day visitor facilities, you will feel a world away...

Fitzroy IslandFitzroy Island is a continental island surrounded by fringing reef, which is the home to a variety of tropical fish and coral life. One of the most unspoiled islands on the Great Barrier Reef, the majority of Fitzroy Island is a National Island Park which makes for great walking throughout the whole island, including bush walks to the Lighthouse, the Summit, to the Secret Garden and to Nudey Beach. Guest facilities at Fitzroy Island Resort include a restaurant, a swimming pool and spa, swim-up pool bar, conference rooms, function rooms, a cinema, kids' games room and kids' play room. Day Visitors to the island are welcome and well catered for. A council campground is located, next to the beach, only 5 minutes stroll from the Jetty. Fitzroy Island Resort is accessible via a 60 minute ferry ride (about 30kms) from Cairns in North Queensland.

Orpheus IslandOrpheus Island is located just a 25 minute scenic flight from Townsville. This tranquil island stretches across 11 kilometres of immaculate coastline, and comprises of a pristine National Park and surrounding World Heritage listed Marine Park. The fringing reef of this Great Barrier Reef Resort is one of the most spectacular and diverse. Accommodation is exclusively available to just 34 guests at any one time; this luxury resort offers absolute seclusion and serenity. Orpheus Island is perfect as a holiday destination, a picturesque wedding setting, or booked in its entirety for exclusive use.

The WhitsundaysThe Whitsunday Islands are located in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef, stretching off the coast of Townsville along to Mackay. They form the largest offshore island chain on the Great Barrier Reef, comprising of 74 beautiful islands of which just eight of them are inhabited by 9 island resorts. Airlie Beach is the mainland gateway to the Whitsundays, direct flights are also available into Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays chain. The Whitsundays is the place to be for rich experiences, adventure, discovery and more; whether its eco-style, family friendly, all-inclusive, activity based, food & wine focused or pure luxury you are after, there is a Whitsunday Island experience to suit all.

Heron IslandIf you're a nature lover, Heron Island really is a special place. Located 89kms off the coast north east of Gladstone, this natural coral cay is situated on the Great Barrier Reef, which means you can snorkel right off the beach. With a myriad of colourful coral and reef fish at your fingertips, it's no wonder that Heron Island is a popular choice for divers, swimmers, and people who love to snorkel. The resort also offers an array of choices for those who like to explore and laze on beaches far from crowds. Being an exclusive island for guests only (no day-trippers here) and, with television-free rooms and no mobile phone reception, it's ideally positioned to take you â€œback to natureâ€. Turtles return here year after year to lay their eggs and guests can gather just outside their rooms to watch the hatchlings make their way to the water. The resort caters to both couples and families and has approximately 100 comfortable rooms, all with ceiling fans and either balconies or terraces.

Tours & Activities:

Day trips to the reef run from most of the length of the Queensland Coast.

Reef ToursReef Tours depart daily from Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays area. Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best and most popular ways to truly appreciate the beauty this natural wonder.It's ideal for people of practically all age groups and is perfect as a family activity or with friends. Most marine activity takes place in the top four metres of the ocean, so you will be able to view just as much marine life from above as the divers do below; just looking from a different perspective. Outer reef pontoon trips operate offshore from Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays. They allow large numbers of passengers to experience the reef from a safe and spacious platform. Floating reef pontoons are designed to provide the best experience for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Some of the inclusions on the pontoon are:- undercover seating, change rooms and showers, underwater coral viewing observatory, semi-submersible rides, glass bottom boat tours, marine touch tank, snorkel platform, kids enclosed swim area, an introductory dive platform, sunbaking deck and the list goes onâ€¦..

Scenic FlightsTo really appreciate the size and natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, you must see it from the air. Astronauts are amazed at what they see from outer space when they look down on the worlds largest living structure, you will be amazed too! From altitude the colours of the Great Barrier Reef are superb, not to mention the marine life. Dugong, Manta Rays, large Green Turtles and at certain times of the year huge Hump Back Whales make taking a scenic flight a very special and memorable experience.

Dive ExpeditionsHundreds of kilometres beyond the Great Barrier Reef, Australiaâ€™s Coral Sea harbours the undersea remnants of ancient volcanoes. Here, the diver is presented with sheer walls laced with massive soft corals and gorgonian fans, that plummet 1000 metres to the ocean floor. These isolated reefs, including Osprey and Bougainville Reefs are home territory for huge schools of pelagic fish, manta rays and sharks, and are renown for their crystal clear waters. For serious divers, this is the ultimate dive adventure. Diving the remote regions of the Ribbon Reefs and Coral Sea requires you to join a live-aboard dive expedition. This is the best way to experience the highest quality range of diving sites on offer. Trips can last from three to 7 days and many operate out of Cairns or Port Douglas, and include low level scenic flight transfers.

Learn to DiveIf you have always wished to have experienced first hand the beauty of the underwater world and come face to face with schools of tropical fish, then an open water certification course is your passport to an exciting new world of adventure, and there is no better place to learn to dive than Australia's Great Barrier Reef. In as little as four days you can become a Certified Open Water Diver. The course will teach you the necessary skills and safety to be able to dive confidently anywhere in the world. The adventure of learning to dive as well as staying out on the Great Barrier Reef on a liveaboard dive vessel is a unique experience and one that is truly memorable.

SailingA day out sailing or even an extended sail trip is the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate. Thereâ€™s nothing better than to be onboard a sailing vessel when the engines are â€˜cutâ€™ and the sails are unfurled and to experience the sensation of gliding through the water under sail. The Whitsundays is a sailing mecca, with richly varied and infinitely beautiful islands as the backdrop, and the calm, protected, warm waters of the Coral Sea. Choose from a variety of overnight trip options such as adventure sailing, eco tallship sailing, outer reef adventures, luxury sailing or even take the helm and sail yourself on a bareboat charter. There are also many day trip sailing options to choose from that depart Cairns and visit the inner lying islands and reefs. Enjoy a sail to a deserted island beach for a spot of snorkelling, fishing, island exploring and sunbaking, or just laze on the deck with a good book. All food and equipment (snorkelling gear, fishing gear, linen, etc) is provided. There's no work, so just relax and watch the world float by.

FishingFishing is one of the most popular Great Barrier Reef activities with Reef/Bottom Fishing being the most common style. This means that the boat anchors and passengers fish with either hand lines or rod and reel to catch top quality table fish found on the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef offers many exciting and different fishing opportunities depending on the season and conditions. Group charters are most popular.

Top 10 Activities:

View the reef from a different perspective on a scenic heli flight

Dive or snorkel the reef

Escape to an island getaway

Sea kayak the fringing reef

Learn to Dive

Go whale watching

Catch your dinner on a fishing charter

Take a delightful sunset sail

Cruise the reef on a Scuba Doo - your own underwater scooter!

Walk on the pristine silica sands of Whitehaven Beach

Weather & Climate

The Great Barrier Reef has a tropical climate; warm summers with higher levels of rainfall and mild winters with minimal rainfall are what you can expect in this subtropical destination. Average temperatures in summer are between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius, in winter 14 to 26 degrees. The water is warm enough to swim in all year round, though do keep in mind that box jellyfish inhabit the coastal waters from October to May. The region averages over 300 days of sunshine per year, so please remember to pack, and use, sun protection items such as sunblock, hat and sunglasses. In this period look for netted areas on the beaches to swim in, or ask a local about the conditions.

Marinelife

The Great Barrier Reef is internationally recognised for its great diversity of species and habitats. It is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 411 types of hard coral, one-third of the worldâ€™s soft corals, 134 species of sharks and rays, six of the worldâ€™s seven species of threatened marine turtles, and more than 30 species of marine mammals, including the vulnerable dugong. Add to that stunning marine suite as many as 3,000 molluscs and thousands of different sponges, worms and crustaceans, 630 species of echinoderms (starfish and sea urchins) and 215 bird species, of which 22 are seabirds.When you visit the Great Barrier Reef, you can see fish changing colour right in front of your eyes, corals changing colour, fish grooming other fish and loads more of unbelievable little miracles and relationships. During the months from May to September the Humpback Whales journey from the Antartic waters to the Great Barrier Reef, to calve and build up strength over the winter before they return to the Antartic in summer. It is an amazing sight and one not to be missed!

Travstar Destinations

North Queensland

About Travstar

BRAMPTON ISLAND:Covering 460 Hectares, Brampton Island is located in the Cumberland Group of Islands, 32km north-east of Mackay at the Southern entrance to the Whitsunday Passage. This large and beautiful National Park Island is surrounded by a diverse range of fringing reefs, and features twelve beautiful beaches. With fewer rooms than many of the resorts at the nearby Whitsunday Group of Islands, and with no day trippers to interrupt the peace and solitude, you will undoubtedly find a special place to reconnect with your true self...

BEDARRA ISLAND RESORT:Bedarra Island is Australia's most exclusive resort, an indulgent tropical private haven, lying off the coast of Cairns. At Bedarra, guests can do as they wish, when they wish. A maximum of just 32 guests are accommodated in 16 secluded Villas, each hidden in the rainforest, only minutes from the beach...

WILSON ISLAND:Wilson Island is a tiny coral cay part of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounded by pristine reef and beach environments, including a rare turtle and bird breeding ground. Located just a 45 minute boat transfer from Heron Island, Wilson Island offers comfortable designer-inspired tent accommodation for a maximum of just 12 guests. Its seclusion and freedom from modern-day living is all part of its appeal...

WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS:The Whitsundays lie midway along Australia's Queensland coast. Of the 74 islands only eight are home to secluded resorts ranging from budget options up to the ultimate in five star luxury...

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND:The Tropical North extends from Townsville up to the tip of Cape York. This special region combines the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Rainforests and Outback...

TOWNSVILLE:Townsville is a vibrant region that encompasses beautiful coastal towns, rainforests, rugged Outback and country terrain...

SOUTH MOLLE ISLAND:South Molle Island Resort, Australia's South Pacific paradise, is cradled between the Great Barrier Reef and the Queensland coast in the heart of the spectacular Whitsunday Passage and features 405 hectares of unspoilt National Park rimmed by scenic beaches, bays and inlets. The perfect location to get away from it all, the resort offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere ideal for both families and couples...

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS:Helicopter scenic flights and transfers to the Reef & Islands are an affordable and popular option. Flying over the vivid blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef you can see marine life such as sea turtles and coral bommies. Spend the day on a private sandy cay or just get to the reef in style, the options are endless...

GREAT BARRIER REEF:Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a must do while in North Queensland. You will usually spend 1 - 2 hours travelling time and 5 hours exploring the reef. All trips include lunch and snorkelling equipment and give you the option to do a certified or introductory dive...

PORT DOUGLAS:Port Douglas is a spectacular one hour drive north of Cairns along one of the most scenic coastal roads in Australia. Offering the distinctive laid back atmosphere of a beachside resort, Port Douglas has quickly transformed from a sleepy fishing village to Australia's premier holiday destination...

REEF PONTOON TRIPS:A pontoon trip is ideal for people of all ages with many activities onboard to maximize your experience both above and below the water. Pontoon trips operate offshore from Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays...

ORPHEUS ISLAND RESORT:Orpheus Island Resort is a sophisticated, first class retreat offering premium service and total seclusion. Catering to a maximum of 42 guests, the exclusion of telephones, televisions, day-trippers, nightclubs or children under 15 years offers the perfect sanctuary from the stress of everyday life. Orpheus Island is located on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, 190km south of Cairns and 80km north of Townsville...

MISSION BEACH:The ‘Jewel’ of the Cassowary Coast is Mission Beach, a little hideaway off the main road and enveloped in tropical rainforest. Mission Beach Village is becoming a extremly popular holiday destination and is a perfect base for exploring the Cassowary Coast...

CASOWARY COAST:The Cassowary Coast is surrounded by state forest that is one of the last habitats of the Cassowary, a large, colourful, flightless bird that is the icon of this region. The cassowary is an essential aspect in spreading the seeds of certain rainforest trees, via their fruit, thus ensuring the tropics stay the same way they have for millions of years...

MAGNETIC ISLAND:Magnetic Island is the only island on the North Queensland Coast with a delightful blend of untouched National Park, a resident population of about 2,500 and a variety of holiday resorts. Located just 8 km off Townsville, more than half of Magnetic Island consists of untouched national park. Secluded beaches and rocky headlands, 24km of scenic walking tracks and wildlife including wallabies, possums and koalas, provides a truly unique holiday experience in Australia's Great Barrier Reef region...

LONG ISLAND:Long Island is one of the most beautiful Whitsunday Islands. The Island is a national park with 20 kilometres of wonderful walking tracks across the Island, leading to beautiful secluded beaches and dense bush areas. There are three well-known resorts on the Island that offer perfect tranquility to a small number of guests wanting to get away from it all...

LIZARD ISLAND:Lizard Island is without question, one of Australia's premier resorts. Located 240 kilometres north of Cairns and 27 kilometres off the coast of North Queensland. This northern most island resort is a private paradise set on a National Park covering 1,000 hectares with sandy beaches and a lagoon...

WHALE WATCHING:Whales are normally encountered during the winter months when they migrate up to the reef from Antarctic waters to mate and give birth. One of the most spectacular visitors during this period is the Humpback. They are seen in the shallow coastal waters of the Great Barrier Reef ranging from Harvey Bay to Port Douglas...

HINCHINBROOK ISLAND:Australia's largest island National Park, Hinchinbrook Island, is separated from the mainland by the deep, narrow, mangrove-fringed Hinchinbrook Channel, scoured from sand and mud by strong tidal currents. The National Park covers 39,300 hectares. Including the main beach at the resort there are 11 beautiful sandy beaches. A regular ferry service departs Cardwell to Hinchinbrook - journey time is 50 minutes...

HERON ISLAND:Covering 18 Hectares, Heron Island lies on the Tropic of Capricorn, 72 kilometres NE off the coast from Gladstone, central Queensland. There's a relaxed island lifestyle that sets Heron apart, a sophisticated yet casual resort atmosphere. Here the emphasis is on exploring and discovering the natural attractions that have made Heron famous around the world. Heron is renowned for its abundance of birdlife with dense Pisonia forests which are home to thousands of Noddy Terns...

HAMILTON ISLAND:Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited Island in the Whitsunday Group and the easiest resort on the Queensland coast to access with its own airport offering direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns or Brisbane. The whole of Hamilton Island is a world-class resort and includes a village of boutique shops, eight swimming pools and nine restaurants. At any one time the Island hosts 2,000 people and approximately 200 boats in its world-class marina...

HAGERSTONE ISLAND:Haggerstone Island is a remote and exclusive sanctuary offering the ultimate in intimacy and privacy. Haggerstone is Accessed only by air, 600 km north of Cairns and caters for just 6-8 guests at any one time, a wonderfully unspoiled Robinson Crusoe retreat...

GREEN ISLAND:Green Island is a 6000 year old coral cay and National Park located right on Australia's beautiful Great Barrier Reef only 45mins by fast ferry from Cairns. This idyllic island has delightful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and magical rainforest for an island escape like no other. Green Island National Park is also home to a luxury resort that has been designed to preserve its sensitive environment...

FRASER ISLAND:Fraser Island lies at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, just a 35-minute boat ride from Hervey Bay. A place of exceptional beauty, Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island and the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres. 4WD safaris are the most popular way to explore the island's spectacular beaches....

FRASER COAST:The Fraser Coast region is a holiday playground. From Fraser Island to Bundaberg, it boasts the whale watching capital of Australia, not to mention the majestic Fraser Island...

DUNK ISLAND:Dunk Island is Australia's most beautiful tropical rainforest island. Located approximately 4 kilometres off the Tropical North Queensland coast, midway between Townsville and Cairns. This island of peace and plenty offers an amazing variety of activities, facilities and experiences...

DOUBLE ISLAND:Resting just ten minutes off the coast of Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland, Double Island is for rental on a "whole-of-island" basis with exclusive use of the entire island and its facilities. It is the ultimate idyllic location for weddings, conference, incentive programs or what ever you decree...

COOKTOWN:Cooktown is a small frontier town established on the banks of the Endeavour River. Cooktown boasts a unique character that is evidenced from its years of geographic isolation and hard-living, but it is this local charm that makes it all the more appealing...

CAPRICORN COAST:The Capricorn Coast starts just north of Bundaberg and continues to just south of Mackay. It is aptly situated on the Tropic of Capricorn with several Barrier Reef Islands including the popular Heron and Great Keppel Island...

CAIRNS:Cairns is the heart of the Tropical North and is an excellent base for exploring this region. Over 600 tours depart daily visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Rainforest and Cairns Highlands. With an abundance of accommodation, Cairns is the ideal base for adventure...

LOW ISLES:Situated 15km north-east of Port Douglas, the Low Isles comprise of two islands - Low Island is the smaller vegetated sandy cay, and Woody Island is the second and larger shingle cay. This 4 acre coral cay is surrounded by 150 different species of hard corals and dominated by 15 species of soft corals...

NORMANBY ISLAND:The Frankland Islands are a unique Great Barrier Reef experience. There is one day trip ex Cairns to Normanby Island which offers a comprehensive reef system displaying the features of a coral cay and continental island...